Lyrical wore a peach silk shirt along with black trousers and applied light make-up to go with it. The outfit made her look extremely gorgeous. She studied herself in her bedroom mirror for god only knows how many times already.
Finally, she went into the kitchen to fix herself a breakfast. Even though she was nervous and did not have much appetite, but Lyrical knew she must eat something, so she does not feel dizzy before the interview. Lyrical prepared some sandwiches for her uncle, fruits for her aunt and kept them inside the basket that she would be carrying along with her to the hospital. She made herself a fluffy omelet with toast and turned on the coffee maker.
After she was done with her breakfast, she hurried out of the house, to take a cab and reach the hospital. She had to see her aunt before she left for her interview and cannot be late.
As soon as she reached the hospital room, she hugged her aunt tightly. "How are you today Aunt Marissa? When can I take you home?"
Her aunt shook her head with a distressed look, "My doctor said, you have to give me a good news first, then maybe he would consider letting me go home." Her aunt smiled mischievously and winked at her husband.
"Oh Goodness. How can you pull such a joke and make me worried?" she complained. "I am nervous, Aunt Marissa. It feels like my first job interview ever, And I've never.." Lyrical spoke in her defense, she didn't want to disappoint them if in case she does not get the job, but her uncle interrupted before she could finish the sentence.
"There is a first time for everything. And always remember one thing my dear child, that every day is a new day, you never know what good might happen to you the very next moment. Be confident in what you are, because I believe in you."
When Lyrical reached at the address the lady who had called the other had texted her, she saw a building of ten floors, and there was a huge glass door at the entrance. A smiled tugged on her lips, as she was excited and nervous at the same time.
Lyrical entered the glass door and she was immediately greeted by a female smiling politely at her. The office was brightly lit, everything around her was neat and clean, as if looking closely she would even see her face on the floor. 'The owner must be very particular about keeping everything spick and span', she murmured to herself.
"Welcome to Knack Dreamz. May I help you?" the female who was politely smilling at her, asked in a very courteous manner. Her voice was soft, and her tone, thankfully did not sound robotic. Such people made Lyrical nervous.
But.. today was different, she was indeed nervous about today's nervous and no, the soft voice of the female in front of her was not helping. Or.. maybe it was.. just a little. Her jangled nerves and knot in her stomach felt a little at ease.
Lyrical nervously replied, "Oh, Yes. I'm here to meet Ms. G.." Damn it! Lyrical was unable to remember the name.
"Gisselle?" Somebody interjected, forcing Lyrical to be jumpy.
"Oh, yes ma'am", Lyrical turned around to see another female, equally beautiful like the one who had just now greeted her, was walking towards her.
"Hi! Lyrical right?" The female stuck out her hand. "Please to meet you. I'm Gisselle, the one who had called you." she introduced herself to Lyrical.
"Hello!!" Lyrical shook her hand and smiled bashfully. "This way please." Gisselle guided Lyrical towards a vacant cabin and Lyrical followed her.
As Lyrical was seated in that cabin while Gisselle stepped out for a moment, she took her time and looked around to see how colorful the walls were, the branding was done in a brilliant arty style with vibrant colors.
'Whoever has thought of this branding, sure is very artistic. Having said that, the person who planned everything in this place must himself be very zestful. The walls blended well with the environment which was young, stylish, and classy.
The moment a person enters from that main glass door, this place gives you a change in the mood. The lights were bright, the place was clean and tidy, the atmosphere was perky, which makes everything lively and people must feel fresh and energetic.' Lyrical murmured to herself, without realizing that she was very much audible. But was relieved that nobody had heard or noticed.
Gisselle was an easy person to talk to, Lyrical did not, even for a minute, felt like it was the first time they both had met.
After they were done with her interview, Lyrical went to use the restroom. She was satisfied with how smoothly and effortlessly it went. All her apprehensions since morning flew away as soon as she met Gisselle. She was warm and very welcoming. Lyrical admitted that she liked her.
On the way to the restroom, she called Norman, but as expected it went unanswered. But he did reply with a text, telling her that he was busy but would call back later.
She felt at ease knowing that Norman was no longer ignoring her. Since that morning when she had called him from the hospital, he had been avoiding calling her calls daily. Which is why Lyrical felt ignored and it made her sad.
Norman had called her this morning when she was on her way for the interview and now that he said, he will call back again, Lyrical was sure it meant he is not upset with her anymore.
Lyrical entered the restroom but she had not expected it to be vacant. Usually girls loved to visit the restroom frequently. They lie, make excuses, and out of habit went to touch up their make-up or brush their hair. At least that's what Lyrical had observed the girls doing, all this while she had been working at other places.
It did not mean girls were not doing their jobs well, but they wanted to look their best all the time. And so Lyrical was used to finding at least one girl, standing in front of the restroom mirror working on working intently on her appearance.
Anyway, Lyrical stepped inside one of the unoccupied cubical and while she was inside Lyrical heard some footsteps entering the one next to her.
"Hey" the woman from the other cubicle door called.
"Hi!" Lyrical awkwardly replied. "Do you need help with something?"
"Nope. Just wanted to say... Nice shirt, but please don't wear it again", the woman replied casually.
"What? I mean.. Why?" She countered. She had not expected that woman to complain about the shirt she was wearing. Lyrical wondered, if she was not looking her best and would that make a difference in getting hired to work here. Not that Gisselle pointed out anything.
The woman came out of the next door and stood in front of the one Lyrical was in. "Ah!" the woman sighed. "How do I say this?" she paused, but the very next moment she blatantly replied. "Peach makes my hand itch."
Lyrical was alarmed. She wondered what that woman meant by 'itch'. Was she going to kill her or something, just because she hates that color, maybe? Her heart suddenly pounded, and she reached her bag to pull out her phone.
"Don't blame me, if I want to grab you and..", the woman knocked on the door lightly. ".. strip you until I can feel those goosebumps of your skin on my fingers." she purred.
Lyrical was aghast and irked with this audacious comment. She darted out of the door to confront her, but that woman had already left.
She thought of going back and narrate the entire incident to Gisselle, but dared not to. She had no proof of this incident and no face to point her finger towards. She decided if she managed to get this job, she would find that woman herself. That silky voice was imprinted in her memory and would be difficult to forget. And she wasn't complimenting the voice.. or maybe a little. Oh! Whatever.
Once she was out of the building, Lyrical suddenly remembered, she had not called her father since the day Aunt Marissa woke up that evening. Lyrical immediately called him and apologized for not calling him daily as they had promised each other.
They randomly talked about a lot of things, she also told him about the interview she had just been to and that it went well. She was hopeful to get the job.
Lyrical' father was very happy for her and before ending the call he reminded her again, "Once your aunt recovers, make sure to bring them along and come visit me soon."
Lyrical was sitting beside Aunt Marissa having fruit and chatting when she received a call from Gisselle herself. It was decided that Lyrical would be joining the company by the end of the month, once she finds her replacement to work for Mr. Parker.
She was very happy that she got this job. So much so that she left from the hospital and called Norman immediately. When he didn't answer, she called over and over again.
After the fifth call went through, Norman finally answered. "911. What's your emergency?"
Lyrical giggled and screamed on top of her voice, "Norman.. oh, Norman. I got the job." Lyrical danced and jumped.
She was extremely nervous this morning, not because it was her first time going in for an interview, but her first time applying for full-time employment in a company.
"Congratulation sis! You know we all are proud of you. Right?." Norman praised. "But why are you yelling like this, aren't you in the hospital with mom?" he inquired.
"I already reached home, by the time you answered. I called you, like thousand times", she exaggerated, but Normal only snorted in reply.
She wanted to celebrate this achievement with her brother right now and was missing him terribly.
But, Lyrical also agreed that Norman had to work, he needed to focus on his career. They can celebrate this moment, once Norman comes back home.
They chatted for a long time that night. Lyrical told him about Gisselle and the company she got selected for, then all of a sudden went silent.
"Something's bothering you sis, isn't it?" Norman's voice held concern. He could make out from Lyrical' voice that she was worried about something.
Lyrical told him about the restroom incident, in detail. But in response to her concern, Norman laughed his head off.
"Seriously sis? Nowadays even girls flirt and that too in such a daring way? You surely gonna enjoy working there, I guess. I know I would, hands down." Norman jested.
"Shut up, Norman. I hate you." Lyrical was annoyed. "I'll surely find out who that unprincipled brazen woman was." she yelled in frustration and disconnected the call.
Needless to say, by the time she completed her notice period with Mr. Parker, she had temporarily forgotten about that incident, as she was filled with excitement for this new job that she had landed and also thrilled about the challenges.
Today was the first day in her new office, Lyrical was both nervous and yet looking forward to take that step towards better future. She had only a month before Gisselle is due to leave and a lot to catch up. But she was determind to not let down herself or Gisselle.
Lyrical's first week was hectic, moving around, up and down between the floors and constantly being on her toes not only made her physically but also mentally exhausted.
Lyrical made sure to visit Aunt Marissa at the hospital, every day before leaving for work.
And, before she could realize a month had already flown away. Her aunt was, by now, already discharged from the hospital and was recovering at home. While Gisselle was almost done with her packing and ready to leave in two days, Lyrical was still not sure if she would be able to do this without her help.
"Lyrical, if you need anything, you can call me anytime. Just because I am not around here, like physically present in front of you, doesn't mean I can't help you", Gisselle assured her. She knew and understood what was going on in Lyrical's mind.
"Excuse me, ma'am", Lyrical still spoke with hesitation. "Hey! I've already told you, call me Gisselle", she smacked Lyrical's shoulder lightly.
"Sorry. Actually, I've been meaning to ask you something for a long time." Lyrical was still hesitating, "I don't mean to intrude on your privacy and you can choose not to reply. But.. if I may ask, are you leaving the company because you are… umm.. Are you by any chance..?" she fumbled to choose the right words.
Lyrical couldn't find the courage to say the word. She was apprehensive. What if she was wrong? Wouldn't it create an awkwardness between her and Gisselle? And that was the last thing she wanted.
"Pregnant?" Gisselle interrupted her thoughts. "Yes, darling. I am. That is reason why I've been looking for a replacement for myself. I need to go back to my husband.." she sighed. "..and c'mon it's high time I should be starting a family. I'm already in my late 30s, for god's sake. Don't you think so??" she winked playfully.
"Congratulations Gisselle. No doubt you glow so much every day." Lyrical instantly felt at ease and hugged her tightly, "Oops! So sorry I didn't mean to.."
"Hey! It's Ok. And thanks", Gisselle interjected, blushing deeply..
"For?"
"Both. The compliment and the hug. It always feels great to share our happiness with other people and even better when others are more excited than us."
They both giggled. "True that", Lyrical replied in agreement.
Gisselle offered to take her out for dinner tonight. They could spend some time and relax before she had to leaves for France.
Since the day Lyrical had joined here, they had only interacted about things related to work, and tonight Gisselle wanted to have a personal time with the person who was going to replace her and take over the responsibility of assisting her boss. It was about Melody, after all.
Gisselle wanted to know how far Lyrical was capable to handle Melody.. on a personal level. Because she won't be around to help either of them anymore and therefore needed to be sure about her choice of the assitant. She knew Lyrical was good at her work, very responsible, and dependable too. But..
Gisselle cared about Melody and knew to what extend she can be cruel and harsh on her assistant, at times.
Therefore, she needed to evaluate Lyrical more on the emtional level, so that she can be more confident about her choice for the replacement.
Gisselle, however, for the following two days was really tied up juggling between her daily schedules whilst running errands for her boss. She went grocery shopping for her boss, changed the bedsheet, and cleaned her apartment. Gisselle made a prearrangement for a car to pick her from the airport, so on and so forth.
On the other hand, she rechecked the packing of personal luggage as she was getting ready for her departure.
The day before she was scheduled to leave, Gisselle went to the office and within few minutes of being there, she saw Lyrical. Gisselle approached her, "Hi Lyrical! Can we catch up for the dinner tonight?" She asked, before she went on to explain, "Sorry, I've been really busy, I couldn't keep my promise."
"Not a problem. I'll call aunt and tell her that I'll be late tonight." Lyrical smiled like she was happy to see her. And she was. "Were you busy with packing? Are you done? You know you can tell me if you need my help, right?" she offered.
Gisselle patted Lyrical's shoulder, "Oh, I'm done with everything, don't worry. It's not only about my packing, but I also had to handle a few things for boss, before I leave. Anyways, I have a flight tomorrow early morning, that is the reason why I asked if we can have dinner tonight. I hope your aunt doesn't mind you coming home late." she asked.
"No, you still could've asked for my help. Once you are gone, I will be the one who has to take care of everything, Correct?" Lyrical probed Gissellle with her questions, she wanted to know what more is expected of her by her boss.
"Uh, about that Lyrical. We'll need to talk. Let's do that when we meet in the evening." With that said, Gisselle left.
When she heard what Gisselle just said, Lyrical felt her heart thumping. 'Should I be worried? What is it about the boss that cannot be discussed right here?' she thought to herself.
Just as she was lost in her thought, she heard someone say something. At first, Lyrical couldn't hear because it felt inaudible, so she looked towards the direction of the voice and found a strikingly beautiful woman standing a not much far from her.
"Wow!" Lyrical exclaimed inside her head. 'All the staff around here are young and beautiful. It makes me feel so out of place. Damn! Her smile is so gentle. I wonder if there is a pattern these people follow, to select who can work here. Their rule book for employees, must read something like, a woman who wishes to work here, must be good-looking, her smile must be gentle, voice must be soft, so on and so forth.' she rambled mentally.
Lyrical was totally gawking at that woman, admiring her beauty. 'Actually, I think this woman must be a client or something, she has this.. intense vibe around her.' Lyrical was still talking to herself, but everything was inside her head. So nobody could hear her thoughts.
Even though, there were lot of wondering talks going inside her head, Lyrical stretched her ears and tried to listen carefully to what that woman was saying. That woman walked a little closer to where Lyrical stood and spoke in a voice that was warm and inviting. Just what Lyrical had expected. The woman repeated, "I said, you look ravishing in this dress. Pink.. ah, makes me wanna sink.. my finger in you."
As soon as she heard the woman say those words, Lyrical was infuriated.
"How dare you? A-aren't you that cheesy woman who had made that sordid comment, 'Peach makes my hand itch?' the other day? The day I had come here for my interview about a month ago. We've met right, in the restroom?" she growled, "That day I couldn't see your face. Do you work here? How tawdry and tacky are you." Lyrical had totally lost her composure.
Lyrical grumbled everything in one go, but the woman took no notice of it, instead, she further added, "You should wear red, it'll suit you better. It will accentuate that irresistible beautiful body even more. Trust me." She grinned then rolled her lips on her lips.
Lyrical scoffed in anger, "But, my favorite is black and blue. How about I make your face turn into my favorite colors? I'm sure it'll make you look even more beautiful."
"Go ahead. Try Me!" She pinned Lyrical to the desk behind and grinned slyly. A moment later she raised her eyebrows and smirked, "By any chance.. did you just.. do you think I am beautiful??" she goaded, but remained calm as a cucumber, but looked at her intently, making Lyrical lose her serenity.
"Listen, you.. bloody unprincipled woman", she insulted. "Who? Who exactly are you? Do you work here? How did I not see you all these days I've been working here and which department are you from? Tell me." Lyrical spat fire.
She was finding it difficult to maintain her usual composure. "How dare you make such audicious comments. Are you trying to flirt? Do you even know how to?" Lyrical was feeling breathless, she wanted to punch that beautiful face, and erase the sly smile off that face.
"Can't you see, I don't know how to flirt, my sweetheart." The woman tilted her head and leaned in closer, nearly touching her lips to Lyrical's ears, "I'm just stating the fact. That is exactly how I am feeling."
Lyrical felt like her body was on fire, both from embarrassment and anger. 'Seriously! Just a few seconds ago I thought she was gentle and welcoming. Like what was I even thinking? She is a piece of trash!'
'Damn! She's really a lovely piece of art and how can I not love her angelic voice.' The woman thought, '..sensuous to be frank. Her smile is my death. Fuck!' she sighed.
The woman moved behind, before Lyrical could hear the moan waiting to erupt out of her throat and stuck out her hand, "Hi! I am.."
Gisselle heard the commotion and came out of Melody's cabin where she was arranging some files. "Boss!!" she shrieked in horror.
"Boss!", Lyrical was stupefied. She looked at Gisselle and back to that woman, trying to take in the fact that she had just insulted her boss. What was going on in her life? How can such a woman be her boss, it'll be death wish if she continued to work for her.
"What on earth has happened here?" Gisselle questioned. Her eyes wide and she kept looking at Melody.
"Fuck Me." Lyrical stood still, shocked.